soapstone
n 1: a soft heavy compact variety of talc having a soapy feel;
used to make hearths and tabletops and ornaments [syn:
{soapstone}, {soaprock}, {soap-rock}, {steatite}]
Soapstone \Soap"stone`\, n.
See {Steatite}, and {Talc}.
[1913 Webster]
Steatite \Ste"a*tite\ (-t[imac]t), n. [Gr. ste`ar, ste`atos,
fat, tallow: cf. F. st['e]atite.] (Min.)
A massive variety of talc, of a grayish green or brown color.
It forms extensive beds, and is quarried for fireplaces and
for coarse utensils. Called also {potstone}, {lard stone},
and {soapstone}.
[1913 Webster]
Talc \Talc\ (t[a^]lk), n. [F. talc; cf. Sp. & It. talco, LL.
talcus; all fr. Ar. talq.] (Min.)
A soft mineral of a soapy feel and a greenish, whitish, or
grayish color, usually occurring in foliated masses. It is
hydrous silicate of magnesia. {Steatite}, or {soapstone}, is
a compact granular variety.
[1913 Webster]
{Indurated talc}, an impure, slaty talc, with a nearly
compact texture, and greater hardness than common talc; --
called also {talc slate}.
[1913 Webster] Talcose